NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Ashes of Brotherhood
Chapter 8: Ashes of Brotherhood
A Clash of Fates
The temple walls trembled as Lorien and Kieran's battle raged. Sparks flew, stone shattered, and the air grew thick with the scent of burning energy.
Kieran's Void Blade howled through the air, slicing toward Lorien's chest.
But Lorien was fast.
His flaming gauntlets ignited, countering Kieran's blade with a blast of Azure Storm energy. Lightning crackled, sending shockwaves that tore through the ancient structure.
Riven stood frozen.
His best friend was trying to kill him.
"Why, Kieran?" His voice barely escaped his throat.
Kieran didn't hesitate.
"Because I have no choice."
He lunged.
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Lorien vs. Kieran – The Duel Intensifies
The battle was a dance of destruction.
Lorien's fist burned with Azure Storm Flames as he struck, forcing Kieran back.
Kieran twisted, dodging, his Void Blade humming with lethal energy. A single misstep—just one—and Lorien would be erased from existence.
But Lorien knew Kieran's movements.
He had trained with him for years.
"You're hesitating," Lorien growled, blocking another swing. "You don't want to do this."
Kieran's eyes flickered, but then his expression hardened.
"I can't afford to hesitate."
His Void Blade surged, striking faster and harder.
Lorien's defense cracked.
Then—
Kieran vanished.
A blur of violet energy.
And suddenly, he was behind Lorien.
Riven's eyes widened in horror.
"LOREIN—!"
Too late.
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A Fatal Blow
Kieran's Void Blade pierced through Lorien's side.
The sound of tearing flesh filled the temple.
Lorien staggered, coughing blood. His flames flickered, weakened.
Riven felt his stomach drop.
"No…"
Kieran stepped back, breathing hard.
For a second, his expression faltered.
"You should have run, Lorien."
Lorien gritted his teeth, gripping his side.
"And let you kill Riven?" He forced a smirk. "Not a chance."
Then, his Azure Storm Flames flared violently.
Kieran's eyes widened.
"What—"
A shockwave exploded from Lorien, sending Kieran flying.
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Power Explanation: Azure Storm Burst
A high-risk technique that releases all stored Azure Storm energy in an instant.
It enhances speed and power for a short time, but burns the user's lifeforce in return.
---
The Turning Point
Lorien shot forward, his wounds ignored. His flames roared, crackling like a storm.
Kieran barely had time to react—
Lorien's flaming fist collided with his chest.
BOOM.
Kieran slammed into a pillar, coughing violently.
Riven's hands trembled.
His best friend was lying in the rubble, struggling to stand.
Lorien staggered, blood dripping from his lips.
"Riven…" His voice was hoarse.
"It's your fight now."
Then—
His body collapsed.
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Riven vs. Kieran – A Battle of Ideals
Riven's heart pounded.
Lorien was down.
And Kieran was still standing.
His Void Blade trembled in his grip. His violet eyes locked onto Riven's.
"You're next."
Riven felt something snap inside him.
His Azure Storm Flames erupted, brighter than ever before.
"If you want to kill me, Kieran…"
His fists clenched, flames roaring to life.
"Then fight me as my friend, not as my executioner!"
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End of Chapter 8